According to the Wildlife Trusts, water voles live along rivers, streams and ditches, around ponds and lakes and in marshes, reedbeds and areas of wet moorland.
Look out for the signs of water voles such as burrows in the riverbank, often with a nibbled 'lawn' of grass around the entrance. Water Voles like to sit and eat in the same place, so piles of nibbled grass and stems may be found by the water's edge, showing a distinctive 45° angled-cut at the ends.
The Wildlife Trusts are looking for people to help to monitor populations: 'Volunteers are needed to help with everything from monitoring
populations to riverbank restoration. So why not have a go at
volunteering for your local Trust? You'll make new friends, learn new
skills and help wildlife along the way?"
* Follow Country Life magazine on Twitter
-
‘Once upon a time they covered an area the size of Ireland’: The restoration of Britain’s native oyster reefs is shaping future marine projects around the worldJane Wheatley reports on an innovative project to restore Britain’s once plentiful native oyster reefs in Tyne & Wear.
-
What connects Brutalism and fancy pink diamonds? The Country Life Quiz of the Day, October 17, 2025Featuring more questions on collective nouns. The perfect way to start a weekend.
